Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Kansas City Chiefs defense utilizes a 4-3 Multiple base scheme under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Kansas City Chiefs Defense?

The Kansas City Chiefs are having a solid 2025 season defensively, currently ranked #6 in points allowed. In fact, they are allowing 3.7 fewer points per game than the league average, stifling opposing offenses.

In the AFC West, they trail the Denver Broncos (#3) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Los Angeles Chargers (#9) and Las Vegas Raiders (#25) to round out the division.

This unit lacks a consistent pass rush and struggles to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. They are essentially average in terms of taking the ball away from opponents.

35
Total Sacks
10
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is average (10 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Their success in 2025 is primarily because of the defensive play of Ashton Gillotte, who has been a solid performer, contributing 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Additionally, Nick Bolton has been an elite contributor with 154 tackles, 1 sacks, and 1 interception, adding depth to the unit.

What is the Kansas City Chiefs defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo

The Kansas City Chiefs defense runs a 4-3 Multiple under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Multiple
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Spags runs a complex, aggressive 4-3 capable of morphing into anything. Known for exotic corner blitzes.

Key Principles

Complex BlitzMan CoverageAdjustments

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Kansas City Chiefs Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
8.4/g
Turnovers
AVG
1.1/g
Aggression
POOR
4.4/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
8.4
POOR
They disrupt the offense 8.4 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.1
AVG
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.1 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
4.4
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.4 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Kansas City Chiefs defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
19.3 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Kansas City Chiefs defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
DE
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Defensive End
Injured ReserveAug 19
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
S
Deon Bush
Safety
Injured ReserveAug 12
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Leo Chenal
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 20
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Brandon George
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 28
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Trent McDuffie
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 24
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Omarr Norman-Lott
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveOct 21
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DE
Janarius Robinson
Defensive End
Injured ReserveAug 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Chris Roland-Wallace
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 6
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Eric Scott Jr.
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Jaylen Watson
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 24
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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